I started costuming making Star Wars & Star Trek costumes. My first
anime cosplay was at Anime Weekend Atlanta 3. I have always liked
costuming, but didn't have the money or transportation to go very far.
That changed in late 1996, when I bought my car. I had just missed AWA
that year, so aimed for the next. The job I was working then wouldn't
give me an official okay on getting time off til the week before. When
I got the okay, rushed to try to get a costume ready. I knew the
costume would be from Fushigi Yuugi, as it was, and still is, one of my
favorites.
I choose to do a costume loosely based on one of Nuriko's
court robes. The inner robe was bought, the contrasting waist belt was
a folded up skirt. The outer robe was hand sewn at a frantic pace. I
didn't have a purple wig, so I sprayed a gray wig with purple
hair spray. I had a great time at my first convention meeting lots of
other costumers, I am sad I forgot my camera. AWA3 was also one of the
few times I have received a snide comment about my costume, but I
shrugged it off as I was not going to let someone's rudeness ruin my
fun.
What is the most important distinguishing factor between an amateur
and
award winning costume?
There are a couple: that the costume is well fitted, attention to
details, and an overall finished look. Costumes that are too loose or
tight on a person detract from the appearance. Also, I sometimes see a
nice costume, but the jewelry and other details are wrong, or missing - if
someone is going to put the time into making something nice, I think all
the pieces should be there else it looks unfinished. Also another thing
I notice is costumers wearing inappropriate shoes for a costume -
nothing like dirty tennis shoes to ruin the overall look.
How has your choice in characters to portray changed since you
started?
When I started out, I really had no idea about sewing. I would go for
characters that wore loose robes, as didn't use any patterns so fitted
was out. I would pull clothes out of my closet similar in style, lay
them on the floor and cut out costume material by the guideline of the
normal clothes. I got a sewing machine and a dress form late in 2000 and
started experimenting. My first fitted piece of clothing I made was
rose bride top, I was so nervous I would screw it up. When it turned out
okay, that gave me the confidence to branch out and try other fitted
costumes I had wanted to do, but was afraid to try at first.
What tips can you offer to anyone looking to improve their costumes?
If you are hand sewing - get a sewing machine, it was so worth it. Also,
if you don't fit into patternmaker's conventional measurements get, or
make a dress form. The dress form has helped so much, as instead of
pinning stuff on myself, then taking it off and loosing
the pins in the process, I pin and adjust on the dress form. I can see
all of the angles of the costume much better this way and it lets me
adjust in a more timely manner.
Also, if they see another costumer has done something they might want to
do, don't be afraid to ask them how they did it and if you can
take a closer look, Most cosplayers are willing to talk about their
outfits, and seeing others' ideas has definitely inspired and helped
me.
In costume contests, should it matter that the costume was made by
the
contestant?
Most definitely. I actually help run a contest, and costumes created by
the person wearing it, or by someone in their group are regarded more
favorably then commissioned or piecemealed costumes. That a person takes
the time to create a costume with their own hands shows their skill and
dedication. Cool props made by the person competing can help too.
What's your life's inspiration?
Whoa, I don't know - staying employed so I can have money to travel and
make costumes. Costuming inspirations I would have better time
answering. Sometimes I am inspired to make costumes from shows or books
I enjoyed in my childhood - like my Gatchaman and A Distant Soil
costumes and another work in progress. Other times its because I loved
the show they are from. One of the projects I would like to do someday
is a armored outfit from another show I grew up on.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Well, I hope eventually to get into woodworking and possibly working
with fiberglass - but don't see that happening unless I get a house.
Landlord would not be thrilled with me making more of a mess then I
already do. So most likely will see me mainly hall costuming and
possibly staffing, as a nice break from my programming job.
Why do you continually make the investment in costuming?
Its a fun and relaxing hobby, and it's great to travel and meet people
with the same passion for the hobby. I also like taking photos of new
costumes I see, and when I see new costumes, I then want to make a new
one too. I try to have a new costume for each convention I go to, most
of the time I make that goal.
What is the most rewarding aspect of cosplay?
Since I am not the most outgoing person, cosplay helps me meet people
with a common shared interest which helps me relax and actually talk to
people where I normally wouldn't. Being recognized for good work is
great too. I think everyone likes to hear compliments on a good job,
and I am no different.
If you could improve the cosplay scene, what would you change and
why?
I would try to get more people who costume themselves to be involved
with the running and/or the judging of the contest. A costumer usually
knows more what to look for in costume design. They also would more
likely be actively involved in trying to promote and provide the means
for cosplayers to enjoy their contest experience. I think it really
helps if the coordinator or judge has been 'in the trenches', as they
can see things from the participants viewpoint.
see more of Hikaru's great costumes on her profile page
Melissa ( Hikaru ), your level of craftsmanship is certainly an inspiration to me, and I'm glad to have met you at AWA7 - our first out of state convention. One of the most exciting things about cosplay, as you said, is being able to travel and know that no matter where you go, there's a new friend waiting to be met. Good luck in your future pursuits, I know you'll accomplish great things.
